National Museum Of Qatar: What You Need To Know

A country renowned for its vast history and top of the line locations, Qatar has preserved its rich history in its various museums and attracts historical explorers from around the world. From the opulent structural marvel of the Museum of Islamic Art to the striking galleries of the National Museum of Qatar, there’s a lot to look forward to for the visitors in this part of the world.

Speaking of museums, The Qatar National Museum is one of the finest structures to be built in the country and takes travelers through the history of Qatar in an enticing way. So, are you someone who’s looking to catch a glimpse of Qatar’s vast history? Well, here’s our detailed guide to the National Museum of Qatar in Doha.

National Museum Of Qatar: What Is It All About

Boasting of its striking architecture and top of the line interior, the National Qatar Museum took about eight years to get built and is a true architectural marvel in the eye of the natives and travelers coming from afar. Having been designed by world-renowned French architect and Pritzker Prize-winner Jean Nouvel, the museum, as the travelers and natives themselves put it, takes one through the history of Qatar. From the country’s early days to the present developments, there’s a lot to look forward to at the museum. Speaking of its exterior, the design of the structure is inspired by the rose of the sands, a phenomenon in which the clusters of crystals that resemble petals get formed in the desert.

In fact, the museum even portrays the political happenings of the present time and its interior has been designed by the Sydney based architecture firm, Koichi Takada. Travelers coming to see the National Museum of Qatar are taken aback by the striking interior design which truly signifies what the museum stands for.

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The Galleries At National Museum of Qatar

One of its main highlights, the National Museum features a total of 11 galleries that have been designed with a striking design and carry a huge significance in terms of the overall experience at the museum. These galleries portray the whole story of the country as visitors get to experience the history of Qatar in three different chapters - the beginnings, life in Qatar, and the modern history of the country.

In fact, the way in which these galleries portray the whole history is appealing in itself. By employing innovative approaches, the galleries take the visitors through the lives of the people who lived in the early days of Qatar on land and sea.

With the use of various sound effects, music, and oral histories, the experience of getting to know the past of Qatar is as good as it gets with the Qatar Museum.

Shops, Cafes & Restaurants At The National Museum Of Qatar

Not only does the Qatar Museum features its top of the line historical experience, but it even has some restaurants, shops, and cafes that make it one of the finest historical places in Qatar. The museum’s shops, cafes, and restaurants have been by the architects of Koichi Takada and boast of their striking design.

The Shops

Each shop features a wooden wall ceiling inspired by the sand dunes and resembling a wavy look. Travelers visiting these shops are welcomed to their fluid structures that are heavily inspired by nature. In fact, as the experts put it, architects, while designing the shops were inspired by Dahl Al Misfir’s cave of light and crafted each room of the shop accordingly.

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Cafes

While the design of shops at the National Museum of Qatar is certainly a talking point amongst travelers, the cafes aren’t far behind. Featuring their conceptual design and top of the line decor, these cafes boast of their warmth and striking interior. Besides, here’s what you need to know about them.

• Café 875 -  

Inspired by the traditional gold jewelry of Qatar, Café 875 is a true example of the structural marvel of the museum. One can experience true hospitality and Qatari Bedouin nomadic lifestyle when visiting the cafe. In fact, the design is inspired by medallion rings and the cafe features not one but four medallion rings for the visitors to catch a glimpse of. Interestingly, Café 875 has been designed and set in a way that it remains hidden from the mezzanine floor. The idea behind this is simple to understand. While constructing the cafe at Qatar Museum, the architects didn’t want the sightline to physically overwhelm the arrival experience for the visitors. Hence, the cafe remains hidden from the sightline of the visitors.

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• Desert Rose Café -

An oasis of comfort and tranquility amidst the stunning architecture of the museum, the Desert Rose Café is another fine haven for visitors who can come here and take a break between their tour through the galleries at the museum. Nestled on the ground floor and having access to the courtyard, the café boasts of its natural lighting, dusk lights, striking cave-like architecture and so much more.

One can visit here to savor the finest of Qatari traditional cuisines that are served in their most authentic flavor. Desert Rose Café is operated by Chef Nouf Al Marri who is one of the finest chefs in the country. In fact, the Desert Rose Café is considered to be a fine spot to taste the most authentic Qatari dishes in Doha.  

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Restaurant At NMOQ

The National Museum of Qatar is considered one of the finest places for a fine dining experience in Doha. The museum features its Jiwan Restaurant on the fourth floor overlooking the gorgeous Doha Bay and the museum baraha. Visitors coming to see the place can stop by to savor the best of delicacies in a perfect setting. The restaurant specializes in contemporizing Qatari cuisine with a touch of elegance and is widely popular in Doha for its remarkable culinary experience for the visitors.  

The Park At Qatar National Museum

Apart from its shops, cafés, and a restaurant which is a treat for travelers, the National Qatar Museum even features its park that stretches over 112,000-square-metre and boasts of its 900-meter long artificial lagoon, walkway, lush green garden, and so much more. It is one of the finest places for visitors to relax and take a break in the middle of their museum tour. Designed by the famed French landscape architect, Michel Desvignes, the park features large trees, green grass areas, top of the line landscape, various desert plant species, and so much more.

Considered as one of the finest places to visit in Doha, the park at the museum is also renowned for various attractions and runs the visitors through the story of Qatar, giving a glimpse into how the people of Qatar cultivated in the old times in such a harsh environment.

Besides, here's what you need to know about the offering of the park at NMOQ.

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• Playing Areas For Children -

The park at the National Museum of Qatar has three playing areas for the kids to enjoy. These are - The Cave of Wonders, Adventure Ship Playground, and Oil Refinery Playground.  

• Parking Area -

There is a parking area integrated right into the park which includes a roadway, and separate parking facilities for the staff, visitors, emergency vehicles, and more. The parking area can accommodate up to 430 cars.  

• Artworks -

One of the top highlights of the national museum's park is the number of artworks visitors get to see here. From both local and international artists like Aisha Nasser Al-Sowaidi, Jean Michel Othoniel, and more, each artwork has been selected by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the chairperson of the museum. Besides, here are some of the notable works of art one should know about.

• The Flag of Glory by Ahmed Al Bahrani, a renowned Iraqi Artist
• A sculpture evoking the vast history of nomadic lifestyle by French artist Roch Vandromme
• Gates to the Sea sculpture by Simone Fattal that presents an overlap of time between the past and the present
• A world-renowned French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel's iconic installation that features a total of 114 individual fountains

Top Places To Visit Near The National Museum Of Qatar

The NMOQ is located in close proximity to a number of attractions that visitors can look to explore while on their visit to the museum. Here are some of the notable ones.

Souq Waqif

One of the finest places for shopping in Qatar and a traditional marketplace set on an ancient trading site where animals and other things were traded for a nomadic way of life, Souq Waqif is amongst the very few remaining traditional Souqs in the country and boasts of its old-world charms. From the finest of culinary experience to the best of shopping delights, one can get numerous opportunities to enjoy the place. In fact, as the natives and travelers put it, if you truly wish to know about Souq Waqif, then visiting yourself is the name of the game.  

Suggested Read: Souq Waqif Doha: All You Need To Know About Qatar’s Iconic Location

The Museum Of Islamic Art

Another fine Qatar museum popularly known as the crown jewel of all the museums in Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art boasts of its amazing architecture and top of the line collection of Islamic artifacts and other things. The museum is on a private island and has been designed by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pie. While appearing to float on water from certain angles, the terrace is its main highlight from where the visitors get to see the city's skyline and other amazing views. As for its collection, the Museum of Islamic Art is home to a number of Islamic artifacts that date back to 14 centuries and have been collected over a period of time from three different Continents.

Doha Corniche

One of the best places to visit in the city, the Doha Corniche attracts thousands of visitors every year. A tranquil place perfect for your evening walks and culinary experience, the Corniche is where people come for an evening stroll in Doha. There is a separate bicycle track at the place along with numerous food joints where people can enjoy the best of cuisines while spending time at the Corniche. The best part? It is one of those places to visit in Qatar that offer some amazing views of the city's skyline. Visitors coming here can even opt for a dhow cruise ride and watch the skyline of Doha right from the waters.  

Msheireb Museums -

Celebrating the history of Qatar's four historic houses, the Msheireb Museums is an iconic project nestled in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha. Featuring four early 20th Century courtyard houses, the museums portray the history of Doha in four different aspects. The four heritage houses give a glimpse of the tradition of Doha, family roles in the Qatari families, and so on. Besides, here are the four houses at Msheirab Museums.

• Company House
• Radwani House
• Bin Jelmood House
• Mohammed bin Jassim House

Interestingly, the Mohammed bin Jassim House is what stands out of the rest. The house portrays how slavery and exploitation played a big hand in the development of Qatar into the country that it is today.

State Grand Mosque

Have you ever been to the state grand mosque? Have you studied about the traditional Arabic and modern architecture? You are in luck.  Situated in the district of Doha, south of Corniche, on hill that overlooks the Qatar sport club, the state grand mosque was constructed in the 20th century. It features a building with several domes which as built with a blend of both traditional Arabic and modern architecture which include sparling half-moons, minaret and large open outdoor spaces.  The mosque has a fresh feel as it preserves the traditional architecture of Islam and is doomed roof is a stunning example of architectural magnificence and landmark construction in Doha.

The founder of the mosque, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Than made the state grand mosque in memory of his father. After hearing of his father’s death in 1978, he decided to build the mosque in Doha. The mosque tells a story of Doha with the sandstone facades, the lowly building height and domes that impersonate the building constraints during the early years. In 2006, it was refurbished and at present is about 175,000 sqm. Over 10,000 men pray in the air- conditioned central hall of the mosque, which overlooks the Men’s area which is said to accommodate 1300 women. There are 3 main doors and 17 side entrances to the mosque. The mosque is said to have over 30,000 worshippers at a time including the area outside.  What more can you ask for when visiting the museum? Visit the museum and be in awe of the architecture in display. Boast about with your friends and family.

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Inside The Mosque

The basement is about 3853 m which includes a wudhu place and rooms to rest and a place for the machines.

The ground floor is about 12117 m which include a main prayer room for men, a special enclosure for ablutions for women and there is a separate place for special needs as well.

The Mezzanine floor is about 2594 m which include a prayer hall, ladies' area and a prayer hall for men along with a library and halls to memorize the Quran.  

Qatar National Museum Timing & Entry Fee

Planning your visit to the National Museum? Here’s what you need to know about the National Museum of Qatar timings and entry fee.

• The museum is open all week.
• The opening timings from Saturday to Thursday are 9 AM to 7 PM.
• The opening timings on Fridays are 1:30 to 7 PM.
• The Desert Rose Café at the National Museum remains open from Saturday to Thursday 8 AM – 10 PM and on Fridays from 1 PM – 10 PM.
• The Jiwan Restaurant at the museum remains open on Saturday and Monday to Thursday from 12.30 PM – 9 PM, while on Fridays the restaurant is open from 1.30 PM – 9 PM.

As for the Qatar National Museum Ticket Prices, travelers are advised to check the exact prices with the concerned authorities.

How To Reach Qatar National Museum

Close to the Qatar Sports club, the mosque is situated in Al Mohandiseen Street, Doha, south of the Corniche.  Tourists can find their way easily in the area as the locals speak English, Arabic and Urdu and can even find ideal transportation to move within the city. One can hire a taxi to get to the museum easily. One can even take the closest metro station, Al Doha Al Jadeda to reach the national museum.

Standing as one of the finest structures ever built in the country, the Qatar National Museum is a place that travelers simply cannot afford to miss while on your vacation in the capital. Boasting of its striking architecture and a wide range of offerings that almost compel historical explorers to book their flights to Qatar, the museum even has its top of the line cafés, shops, and a fine restaurant where visitors can have a great time with their loved ones.

While the park is a perfect relaxing place in the middle of an ongoing museum tour, the artworks set up at the space and the lush green gardens fill a sense of calm amongst the visitors. So, are you a historical enthusiast yearning to understand the roots of Qatar and how the country rose over the years? Well, visit NMOQ and embrace the rich historical experience of the place.

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